Hold or Sell? Here’s How US Inflation Could Impact Your Crypto Investments

A critical data release is imminent, and it has the potential to shake up the cryptocurrency market in a big way. This isn’t your average economic report – this information could be the difference between soaring profits and unexpected losses for your crypto holdings.

Is it time to celebrate or brace for impact? Read on to find out!

1. US Inflation Indexes: A Short Intro 

US Inflation indexes measure changes in the prices of goods and services over time. They provide valuable data for understanding inflationary trends in the economy. These indexes help policymakers, businesses, and individuals gauge the rate of inflation and its impact on purchasing power and overall economic stability.   

2. Key Inflation Indexes to be Released Soon 

Here are the key inflation indexes to be released this month. 

• US Core Inflation Rate MoM

Measures monthly change in overall prices, excluding volatile food and energy costs, providing insight into underlying inflation trends.

• US Core Inflation Rate YoY

Tracks year-over-year change in core inflation, offering a long-term view of price stability, unaffected by short-term fluctuations in food and energy prices.

• US Inflation Rate MoM

Reflects monthly change in overall consumer prices, including food and energy, capturing short-term fluctuations in inflationary pressures.

• US Inflation Rate YoY

Indicates year-over-year change in overall consumer prices, providing a broader perspective on inflation trends, inducing long-term effects.

• US CPI

Measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services, representing the overall cost of living.

• US CPI S.A

Seasonally adjusted version of CPI, removing the effects of seasonal variations, offering a clearer view of underlying inflation trends.  

• US PPI

Tracks changes in prices received by producers for goods and services, serving as an indicator of inflationary pressures in the production process.

• US PPI MoM

Measures monthly change in producer prices, providing insight into short-term fluctuations in input costs for producers.

• US Core PPI MoM

Indicates monthly change in producer prices, excluding volatile food and energy costs, offering a clearer picture of underlying inflationary pressures in production.

• US Core PPI YoY

Tracks year-over-year change in core producer prices, providing a long-term view of inflationary trends in the production sector, unaffected by short-term fluctuations. 

3. Historical Analysis of Major Inflationary Indexes 

Let’s do a historical analysis of each inflation index. 

3.1. US Core Inflation Rate MoM: Historical Analysis 

At the beginning of the year, the US Core Inflation Rate MoM was around 0.392%. It saw a decrease in February, to 0.358%. In March, it slightly increased to 0.359%. The forecast is that it will be 0.3% this month. 

3.2. US Core Inflation Rate YoY: Historical Analysis 

At the beginning of the year, the US Core Inflation Rate YoY was around 3.9%. In February, it decreased to 3.8%. In March, it saw no change, as it remained around 3.8%. The forecast is that it will come down further to 3.7%. 

3.3. US Inflation Rate MoM: Historical Analysis 

In January 2024, the US Inflation Rate was around 0.3%. It saw a major increase in February when it grew from 0.3% to 0.4%. In March, it showed no change, as it remained in the 0.4% level. The forecast is that this month it will come down to 0.3%.

3.4. US Inflation Rate YoY: Historical Analysis 

In January  2024, the US Inflation Rate YoY was around 3.1%. It slightly raised to 3.2% in February. In March, it sharply increased to 3.5%. The prediction is that it will remain at the 3.5% level this month also. 

3.5. US CPI: Historical Analysis  

In January 2024, the US CPI was around 308.417 points. Since then, it has been consistently growing. In February, it reached the mark of 310.326 points, and in March, it touched the level of 312.332 points. The forecast is that it will cross 313.9 points this month.

3.6. US CPI s.a: Historical Analysis 

In January 2024, the US CPI s.a was nearly 309.685 points. Since then, the rate has been steadily increasing. In February, it crossed the mark of 311.064 points. In March, it reached the level of 312.23 points. The prediction is that the trend will continue as such pushing it to the mark of 313.2 points.

3.7. US PPI: Historical Analysis 

In January 2024, the US PPI was roughly 142.676 points. In February, it saw a sharp increase, when it climbed from 142.676 to 143.466, swiftly. The trend continued in March also, when it touched the level of 143.687 points. The forecast is that no change in the trend is likely to happen and it will reach even the level of 143.9 points.

3.8. US PPI MoM: Historical Analysis 

In January 2024, the US PPI MoM was nearly 0.4%. In February, it sharply increased to 0.6%. Conversely, in March, it saw a sharp decrease, when it slipped from 0.6% to 0.2%. The forecast is that it will remain in the 0.2% range this month also. 

3.9. US Core PPI MoM: Historical Analysis 

In January 2024, the US Core PPI MoM was as high as 0.5%. Since then, it has been steadily decreasing. In February, it came down to 0.3%. In March, it reached 0.2%, marking a sharp decrease when compared to its January range of 0.5%. The forecast is that this month also it will remain in the 0.2% range.  

3.10. US Core PPI YoY: Historical Analysis 

In January 2024, the US Core PPI YoY was nearly 2%. Since then, it has been consistently rising. In February, it reached the range of 2.1%. In March, it touched 2.4%. The forecast is that this time it will hover around the range of 2.4%. 

4. US Inflation Indexes Conveying About The Future Prospects of Cryptos: A Predictive Analysis

The historical analysis of major inflationary indexes in the US provides valuable insights into the future prospects of the crypto market. Looking at the trends:

• US Core Inflation Rate MoM and YoY

Stable core inflation rates indicate economic steadiness. If upcoming rates match the forecast, it would likely sustain confidence in the crypto market. However, if rates were to decrease, it might lead to a slight decrease in enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies as an inflation hedge. Conversely, an increase could stimulate demand for cryptocurrencies, particularly as an inflation hedge, potentially driving up prices.

• US Inflation Rate MoM and YoY

Similar to core inflation, overall inflation rates show stability. If upcoming rates align with the forecast, it would likely maintain confidence and stability in the crypto market. A decrease in inflation rates might have a mild dampening effect on crypto enthusiasm, while an increase could reinforce crypto’s appeal as an inflation hedge, potentially increasing demand and price.

• US CPI and CPI s.a

Consistent growth in the Consumer Price Index signals healthy demand. If upcoming CPI levels meet the forecast, it would signify continued growth and stability in the crypto market. A decrease in CPI levels might indicate an economic slowdown, leading to slight corrections in crypto prices. Conversely, increase in CPI levels could strengthen the case for cryptocurrencies as an inflation hedge, potentially driving up demand and prices.

• US PPI and PPI MoM

The mixed trend in the Producer Price Index suggests economic uncertainty. If upcoming PPI levels match the forecast, uncertainty in the crypto market may persist. A decrease in PPI levels might boost investor confidence in cryptocurrencies, leading to moderate price increases, Conversely, an increase in PPI levels might heighten uncertainty, prompting cautious investment and potential shifts towards more stable assets.

• US Core PPI MoM and YoY

Stability in the Core Producer Price Index indicates confidence in economic fundamentals. If upcoming Core PPI levels align with the forecast, it would likely reinforce confidence in the crypto market. A decrease in Core PPI levels might ease inflationary pressure, resulting in moderate price adjustments in cryptocurrencies. Conversely, an increase might raise concerns about inflationary risks, potentially impacting crypto demand and prices. 

Endnote 

The upcoming inflation data releases are poised to be a turning point for the cryptocurrency market.

Stable or expected trends in core inflation rates, overall inflation rates, consumer price indexes, and producer price indexes are likely to maintain confidence and stability in the crypto market. However, deviations from these forecasts could lead to adjustments in investor sentiment and potentially impact demand and prices in the crypto space.

Will they signal economic stability and boost crypto confidence, or will they spark uncertainty and price fluctuations? Stay tuned.

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